#forest glories

[lovekia]

Weekly Competition Theme: Magazine Photoshoot

[sunrize-sketches]

Some glory art!! I really struggled finding the right shade for the lighting, but I think it turned out okay!

[grimae]

gift for @maybelsart

[gingermintpepper]

Little idle thought I've been having recently but I think Cyparissus' story is very important for characterising Apollo and Apollo's love. It's so easy to think of love and loss as two ends of a spectrum, likewise, so often, death is seen as an ultimate and tragic end in love stories - something final and inescapably tragic, the only force that halts love by separating the lovers.

Cyparissus' story is... not that. Yes, the deer dies and one can conclude then that death is once more at the heart of separating two lovers, but I think Cyparissus specifically requesting to die, specifically begging Apollo to let him grieve forever even after Apollo has done his best to help Cyparissus move on from the accident and Apollo letting him is a powerful thing.

Because Apollo not only puts Cyparissus' wishes over his own, he's also able to see past his own building grief to immortalise Cyparissus in such a way that both grants him his wish and allows other people to glorify Cyparissus as well! And I think such a beautiful thing is something criminally overlooked!

It's become something of a joke that 'all Apollo's lovers turn into plants' but from a functional perspective, flowers are the most brilliant way to keep the spirit of a beloved thing alive. Flowers are like stars - as long as there are humans, humans will always contemplate the nature of flowers and as the god of poetry and song, Apollo creating opportunities for his beloved mortals to be remembered eternally even if they never seized glory in the traditional way is such an intimate and beautiful thing. Even then, Cyparissus is elevated to a similar status as Daphne with Apollo's actions - not merely a plant or flower but one that specifically symbolises him, one that is extremely fragrant and beloved by him. Just as Daphne's laurels were synonymous with glory and victory, Cyparissus' cypress became a emblematic of grief and remembrance. Even today, thousands of years later, people still view cypress trees as mourning trees and plant them in cemeteries and use the ash in incense burnt in remembrance of others. How's that for Apollo keeping his word.

[percyjacksonxrb]

I knew Kdrama’s hit different and are feeding my delusions but Cdrama’s????? Bro they have me kicking my feet and blushing….

So recommendations with green flag male leads send them myyy wayyy!!!

[halltastic]

Happy Thursday!

[nabaath-areng]

Other thing that happened today was that one of the red kites that hang around in the pastures flew RIGHT above us while tending to the hives, the WING SPAN is absolutely incredible at that close distance!!!

And the blue tits and woodpeckers that live in our garden also kept us company just watching as we worked while munching their food...

Usually birds can pose a risk to bees by trying to break into the hives, but here everyone just co-exist peacefully.

... Except for last year when the blue tits and flugsnappare (idk english name) fought about WHO should get to claim the bird houses. Which was funny cause there's room for all of you here!!! This year they've reconciled and are just chilling...

I feel so blessed honestly to have been born into this life? Modernization and industrialization made traditional farms nearly impossible to run, but I love to feel so connected to it and my family even though it runs differently now. Centuries of farmers leading up to this and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

We had to give up on the cows and chickens when I was very young, but maybe one day it will be possible to do small scale farming like this again in general.

[midwestaesthetics]

Parklife (A Daydream)...

October afternoon blue skied an’ clear

I stake my claim to a lazy spot

Beneath the juvenile oak’s shade

Near where the pavement separates

Garden flowers in this season’s final gasp

From the pond’s silken silence stirred up

By gusts crisscrossing ripples

The rustle of trembling aspens

Crowned in autumn gold splendor

Which is receding leaving

Branches starkly disrobed

Blue tinted morning glories

Shoot from the trellis

Their brilliance tussling carelessly

 

I slow danced with you in the

Dying embers of summer sun

‘Long these windy paths

As swallows flitted in and out

Of tall grass blankets

Manhattan, I still have glints

Of a reminisce, horse carriage rides

Amid canyons of glass and concrete

The thick soup of its summer heat

Sweaty glue clinging cotton to collarbone

Gone, gone, it’s all gone, you’re gone, we’re gone

And so, I bid adieu to you…

[magnusmodig]

— The All-Fathers & . History of Asgard.

||. I'm thinking pretty long and hard about Asgard and my personal thoughts and headcanons about the culture and potential major events in Asgardian history, so I'm putting those thoughts officially together. As always, inspiration is taken from the marvel comics and norse mythology, though most are just myself filling in the blanks. All headcanons are subject to change, and shared with sister blog @mischiefmodig !

This is what my Thor will refer to as his planet and family's history when in conversations with other aliens, and with other MCU muses.

NOTE: If you are a duplicate Thor or Loki, please do not claim any idea written here as your own if it is not derived explicitly from canon. (Inspiration is fine but please link back to this post at least!) If you are an Asgardian character, yes, you can reference this timeline of events and broad strokes of history in your threads with me or mischiefmodig. Please do not reference this as canon.

Glossary:

Asgardian - A space-faring warrior race that hail from the dimension-planet Asgard, and the ruling populace of the Nine Realms.

Aesir - A sub-species of the Asgardian race uniquely limited to the royal family line, whose progenitor is Buri, the first King of Asgard, and All-Father of the Nine Realms.

Vanir - A sister race to the Asgardians who live in the realm of Vanaheim. The leader of the chief clan of the Vanir is Njörðr, the father of Frigga.

Magic - Synonymous with the scientific study of the natural world, and/or the highly advanced usage of science, including properties and theories. Includes both Sorcery and Dark Magic.

Sorcery - A branch of 'magic' that focuses solely on the natural world. Sorcery aims to utilize the natural elements and work within the limitations of the order of the universe. (e.g., you cannot use sorcery to raise the dead.) Can be taught.

Dark Magic - A branch of magic that aims to bend elements of the natural world to the user's will. This often results in a distortion of natural elements and overextending the limitations of the universe. (e.g., you can use dark magic to raise the dead.) Can be taught.

All-Force - The name of the cosmic, natural-born magic specific to the Aesir line. Each known Aesir has an affinity for a niche of magic that is personalized and specific to the user. Overuse of the All-Force demands a period of hibernation from its user called the All-Sleep. (This power may sometimes colloquially referred to by Asgardians with the naming convention of the current monarch. e.g., the Odin-Sleep, the Odin-Force.) Cannot be taught. (but can be briefly enchanted.)

A Foreword: Asgardians and the Sister Race.

A foreword: The race now known as 'Asgardian' and the race known as 'Vanir' once originated from the same planet. The race's original name has been lost to time.

The Vanir are virtually the same as Asgardians almost every way save for cultural and magical differences.

Due to the discrepency of space-time dilation and the differences between the planets (and galaxies of) Vanaheim and Asgard, there are technically also aging differences, but this is negated if a Vanir lives on Asgard. (Due to this discrepancy, Asgardians are, ironically, closer to the original species than the Vanir.)

The Vanir are more nomadic, have deep ties to sorcery (witches (aka seiðr), fates, etc.) and do not often dabble in technological advancement. This is especially true of and most strictly upheld towards Dark Magic.

"Witches" are commonly known as Völva/Vǫlva (f) and Seer (m) respectively and are great sorcerers, healers, and prophets of the Vanir clans. They are figures of great importance, and can be (but are not always) the leaders of the Vanir.

All-Father Buri and the Origins of Asgard.

Buri is born with exceptional power, and is the first Aesir known to history.

As a result of his leadership, strength and magical power, Buri gains a following and becomes leader of his people's clans.

Buri gifts Heimdall's ancestor with the gift of the All-Sight, which allows him to see across the many realms and keep watch for any threats to their people and their territories. This Ancestor was Buri's right hand man.

After a period of darkness and war, Buri defends his people and planet amidst a long standing feud with Ymir, the first King of Jotunheim. This would later be known as The Battle of the Gods during The Celestial Wars.

The Hidden Stronghold is built in defense of Asgard during The Celestial Wars.

After defeating the Frost Giants and assuming supremacy under his command, Buri begins the conquest of what would one day become the official territories of the Nine Realms. He establishes sovereignty over Midgard, Nidavellir, Vanaheim, and Jotunheim.

Buri uses the All-Force to manipulate light and the force of black holes, Buri creates a hidden pocket dimension out of Ginnungagap - a great chasm of deep space. Within that pocket dimension, Buri fortifies their home planet for all those who follow him to reside on. This planet, connected to Vanaheim and the rest of the conquered realms, becomes Asgard: the realm eternal, and the heart of the Nine Realms.

With Asgard in an unreachable position, Surtur gains strength enough to pose a threat to Vanaheim, Nidavellir, and the rest of the galaxy.

In an effort to establish a unified offensive, Asgard becomes allies with Alfheim and Svartalfheim, and is able to navigate a tenuous peace between the two elf realms, with Asgard acting as the two territories' supreme authority.

Buri discovers the various Waters of Sights, which are strictly guarded by the Rock Trolls who live in Nornheim/Urðarbrunnr.

After a five-year conflict known as the Troll Wars, Buri successfully establishes peace, and a reach in Nornheim.

Using the guidance of the Nornns, and the allegiance of the other realms, Muspelheim is conquered under Asgardian rule.

Those who would later become the Vanir distinguish themselves from Asgard by keeping strictly to Forn Siðr (the ancient ways). They are nonetheless in full alignment with their sister realm. (Eventually, the Vanir lose touch with most of their previous dwelling places, cities, temples, and some magics, becoming a nomadic, sorcery seeking race instead.)

Asgard and the Infinity Stones.

After establishing the Nine Realms and securing Asgard's position of power, Buri discovers and seeks out the Infinity Stones. This puts Buri in the same path as the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim, although the Dark Elves intentions with the Aether were unknown.

Borr, the first Prince of Asgard, is born.

Borr manifests the power of the great earth. (What is essentially earth-bending. His talents specifically create what is later known to be Gundershelm and the Glade of Crystals, as well as the nurturing the ash tree seen in the Hall of Knowledge, which was originally planted by Buri. The concept for the shield around the palace of Valaskaljalf is visually modeled after his power.)

Buri commissions the original draft of what would later be known as the Infinity Gauntlet from the Dwarves, although it goes mostly unused. A mock of the gauntlet is not forced until early into Borr's reign.

Malekith of the Dark Elves comes into power.

Buri hunts down and aims to retrieve various Infinity Stones. Notably: Space, Mind. He dies during battle while in pursuit and successful acquiring of the Space Stone.

Borr becomes the second King of Asgard, and All-Father of the Nine Realms. He continues the pursuit of the Infinity Stones in ode to his father's legacy, and is known as the Architect of Asgard.

Reign of All-Father Borr &. the Convergence.

Borr marries the sorceress Bestla.

Odin, the second Prince of Asgard is born.

Odin manifests powers of enchantments, specifically in the way of runes.

Various infinity stones are found, documented and studied, and lost again throughout this time by Borr and his followers.

During the pursuit of the Infinity Stones, Asgard instates itself as a peacekeeper of not only the Nine Realms, but beyond its intergalactic borders. It is a known and prominent power in what would later become Omnipotence City.

The Dark Elves begin to utilize the Reality Stone (whether they have always harbored it or recently reacquired it is unknown.)

The Dark Elf leader, Malekith, utilizes the Reality Stone - known as the Aether - to enact a war upon the realms in the hopes of extinguishing life across the universe to create a new world. This is known colloquially as The First Dark Elf Conflict.

Asgard engages with Svartalfheim in a series of long wars called the Aeon Wars.

Eventually, at the height of the Convergence (2988 B.C.) the Dark Elf Conflict of the Aeon Wars leads to the (near) complete destruction of the Dark Elves, and the extinction of all life on Svartalfheim (presumably caused by the Aether).

The Aether, under Asgardian protection, is locked and hidden away deep inside of Midgard under the express instruction of All-Father Borr.

Asgard experiences a cultural shift away from collecting the Stones. Instead, Asgardian sorcerers, scientists, researchers and historians pivot towards studying, preserving the history of, and ultimately separating the stones whilst keeping them all under Asgardian protection and/or supervision.

The Space Stone remains in the Asgardian vault, where it is under strict Valkyrie and Einherjar protection.

The construction of the Himinbjorg (the Bifrost bridge and observatory) begins to ensure safer and efficient travel between realms.

Heimdall is born.

Borr is grievously wounded in battle and dies of his wounds.

Odin prematurely assumes the throne as the third King of Asgard and All-Father of the Nine Realms.

Reign of Odin All-Father, and the Executioner of Worlds.

Heimdall is instated as the gatekeeper of Himingbjorg after full construction of the Bifrost is completed. With the Bifrost, Dark Magic is no longer necessary to travel in and outside of Asgard to the other realms.

Odin establishes a strict regime in which he suppresses various intergalactic conflict with races such as the Kree.

Omnipotence City is established as a gateway between all galactic powers, which Odin supports. Most notable are the Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse Pantheons, all of which dispute over a claim to planet Earth..

Odin and an unknown beau sire the first Princess of Asgard, Hela.

Hela shows exceptional talent with sorcery, similarly to her father. Odin pursues all knowledge, and encourages Hela's pursuit of all magic.

Hela uses her magic to create the Berserkers through the Berserker Staffs. Odin is is unaware of Hela's growing exploitation of Dark Magic.

Hela is named Crown Princess and Executioner to Odin All-Father.

Odin and Hela utilize their combined strengths to subjugate various skirmishes and oppositions in outskirt territories of the realms.

Asgardian territories expand to include extraneous planets such as planet Ria.

During a visit to Vanaheim in search of greater magical power, Odin meets Frigga, the daughter of the Vanir Seer, and falls in love with her during the beginning threshold of The Great Wars.

Various outside threats constitute in unrest throughout the realms. In secret, Hela begins her exploitation of Dark Magic to create a legion of Draugr, bastardizing the final resting places of Asgardian Einherjar.

Odin marries Frigga Njörðrdottir during a brief tide of peace.

Under the suggestion and guidance of Queen Frigga, Odin begins to pursue peace and diplomacy to end the Great Wars.

Hela successfully uses the Eternal Flames to raise her Draugr, and reveals her success to her father. With even greater power to fuel the mastery of Dark Magic that she possesses, Hela bids to utilize the Berserkers and the Draugr against King Laufey, when Jotunheim begins to seize more control. Odin forbids this process and condemns the bastardization of death. Hela refuses to engage with a diplomatic outcome.

When Hela threatens to seek the Infinity Stones (specifically: the Power Stone) as a fuel to her Draugr, Odin sends the Valkyrie are sent to stop her. All Valkyrie (save one) are slaughtered by Hela.

Odin is forced to use his runes, sorcery, (and possibly the Space Stone) to banish Hela to the Cave of Ages deep within Helheim/Niflheim.

Thor, the third prince of Asgard, is born.

Odin seals the Space Stone in Norway, under the protection of the norsemen.

The Frost Giants attempt to invade Midgard in a war of conquest and in pursuit of the Space Stone. Odin drives them back to Jotunheim with the Einherjar and Berserkers.

The last Great War continues until Odin breaks through Jotunheim defenses and finally defeats King Laufey. He loses an eye, the Casket of Eternal Winters is taken from the Frost Giants. Prince Loki is saved by Odin, who returns to Asgard.

Loki is announced as the second-born son of Odin All-Father.

Odin ushers in 1,000 years of peace across the Nine Realms.

[ivizzzzzzz]

[wheredidalltheusersgo]

I think I accidentally made an Aleduncan AU where Alejandro is a witch and Duncan is an outlaw

[invinciblerodent]

If I'm interpreting things right and we'll be able to choose factions as an origin for our Rook, so far (even though it's the group we know the least about), I'm kinda leaning towards the Shadow Dragons for Ver.

I mean, I was lowkey kinda thinking that she's a lower-middle-class kinda human woman from Tevinter (maybe an Antivan immigrant? we'll see), and now that I've read The Missing, I know that the Shadow Dragons are a secretive organization the only known goal of which is essentially to free the slaves of Tevinter, which is the least objectionable thing I can think of. It would work, and it seems that Varric has worked with them prior AND that Neve might be one of the first companions to be recruited, so it feels right enough to me as a story so far.

I think Ver might be sort of an enforcer-type of character, a warrior who is kinda less the brains, and more the muscle of an operation (kind of a "boots and eyes on the ground" type of person), and sort of "bears witness" to events more than she'd participate in organizing them- which is my excuse for why she might not be used to taking on a leadership position, why she might not know a lot about anything (as well as why she might not know the members). It's also my very clever way to work in that her nickname is technically, unintentionally, the Spanish verb "to see", lol.

I think she'd be likely to have heard OF Neve before, but doesn't know her directly, and I'm pretty sure Neve is gonna be the spymaster-type of person, so she would likely know everything about everyone anyway lol.

[viviansfaefriend]

just took a walk in the woods and I forgot how beautiful it is. So green and bright where the sun splotches the forest floor. I deeply wish I could go into the forest and become some horrible creature of the trees and reside there— as much a part of the forest as the moss or fallen logs always will be. I’d never have taxes or rent and I’d be fine in the heat, and the cold wouldn’t bother me either.

[royalreef]

If she simply never talks about her problems and never looks at or acknowledges them and never lets anyone else know about them, then they basically don't exist! If no one knows about them, then they aren't problems anymore! Very simple! Very easy!

[lanarchive]

actually sick how the team that has the biggest chance of beating city is our biggest rivals

[collabwithmyself]

assorted aus i don't have the energy to explain

⚠️ suggestive under the cut